Afternoon Tea and Scones at The Margi

October 2, 2016

I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date for afternoon tea and scones at The Margi. I am sure that these lyrics take you back to the colourful Tea Party scene of our all time favourite Alice in Wonderland. Last Saturday I got to experience my own kind of Alice in Wonderland afternoon with Tea and Scones in a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Stelios Parliaros a Sweet Alchemy Pastry Chef who has his pop-up store at The Margi for the holiday season. You can purchase his sweet creations in case you find yourself magically placed into the Tea Party scene.

We were escorted to our table at the patio, yes indeed Greece is famous for the warm climate almost all year round. There are outdoor heaters which means you can enjoy the open air and warm atmosphere even in December.

The Athenians were already busy enjoying their Saturday lunch, happily chatting away to the sound of live Jazz playing in the background.

First things first, we were served a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne with a twist, you could choose a piece of pineapple or colourful bell peppers, creative indeed! Then came the afternoon tea and scones menu. The tea list is quite rich, therefore you can choose the one that matches your taste.

I went for the Masala Chai which is black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs served with milk. Apparently it is one of Oprah Winfrey’s favourites.

Masala Chai

We also had a selection of sandwiches with salmon, aged cheddar cheese and proscuitto, scones served with three jams: strawberry, raisin and clotted cream, as well a section of cookies, fruit tartlets and more sweetness.

History of the Afternoon Tea

The history of the Afternoon Tea or High Tea in Europe goes back to as early as the 17th Century when it became very popular among the aristocracy in France. In England the tea trade began in the 1670s. It was then in the 18th Century that Anna Maria Stanhope known as the Duchess of Bedford who could not wait until dinner had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. She then made this tradition formal by inviting her friends to the Belvoir Castle for a 5 o’clock afternoon tea where tea, assorted sweets, sandwiches and cakes were served. This tradition was then quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

You may now enjoy your own Afternoon Tea and Scones in the Athenian Riviera daily from 3 to 7 pm. You can pick the tea of your choice and select your own platter of savouries and sweets. During the weekend you can also enjoy the Bruch and Bubbly Menu which is served from 12:30 – 18:30.

And while you are there why not try a glass of mulled wine to get into the spirit of the Holidays.

About me

Elena Sergeeva has an accomplished career in tourism marketing and has worked for top Greek and international tourism brands. Elena has worked with luxury hotel brands managing business development and foreign market opportunities in lucrative markets including Russia.
Elena is the founder of several professional blogs including Passion for Greece, Passion for Hospitality and Passion for Dubai. Her website development and blogging work has been featured in travel industry and Greek major media outlets.